Campbell County man accused of threat to blow up courthouse

A Campbell County man has been arrested on multiple counts of retaliation against the judicial system after his therapist reported he threatened to bring a bomb to the courthouse and to shoot everyone there.

Paul Edward Terry has been charged with carrying a gun with intent to go armed and multiple counts of retaliation against the judicial system.

His mental health therapist at Ridgeview Mental Health Center reported to the sheriff's office threats made by Terry.

The therapist said Terry was talking about the murder trial after his sister's death. Reportedly, he said that if the trial did not go well, he would shoot the sheriff, the judge presiding over the case, and the suspects charged with her murder.

The therapist also reported that Terry had made a statement two weeks earlier about going to the courthouse and "shooting everyone at the courthouse," that he knew how to make bombs like the ones used in the Oklahoma City bombing, and that he would pull his car up to the courthouse with a bomb inside of it.

Chief Deputy Don Farmer said he spoke with Terry about the allegation and that Terry confirmed he'd said those things and said everyone at the courthouse was corrupt. Farmer wrote that Terry also said a completely new judicial system was needed.

Dep. Farmer said Terry consented to the sheriff's office taking his firearms into possession; these included a Chinese AK-47-style rifle, an 8mm Mauser rifle, and a Beretta .22 caliber pistol, along with ammunition.

Dep. Farmer said the .22 caliber pistol was loaded in Terry's car and that he does not have a handgun carry permit, resulting in him being charged with intent to go armed.

A public defender has been appointed to represent Terry. He faces a preliminary hearing on March 2.